Kel Tec PF-9 comes to mind. Internal hammer and single stack 9mm. I'm pretty sure a few guys here have them and there are some reviews. Sig makes a single stack, the P239 IIRC, but it does have an external hammer. You may also consider a 1911 style pistol chambered in 9mm. Again though, external hammer.

As far as racking it, that's going to be one of those hands-on things that only you can decide. If racking the slide is really a problem, have you considered a revolver? If this gun is meant for range only duty, then it doesn't matter much. But if this is for self-defense, then, IMO, you're much better off with 6 rounds of .357 that are ready to go with just a pull of the trigger than 7 or so of 9mm that you have difficulty loading; especially when in a SD situation, time is of the essence.

Originally Posted by buttrfli

Wondering if there is an internal hammer, single stack out there? If not, I'm sure I can get used to the hammer and prob just have to train to cock it on the first shot for accuracy sake.

So what do you suggest? TIA!

Yes, there is. It's called the Kahr CW9, and you should not have any problem with grip size or it's relatively low cost. If you want a metal frame, look at the Kahr MK9. There is also the Walther PPS to consider (hugely different from your PPK/s), but it is much more expensive than a CW9.

That being said..... Although I have a feeling that you will one day become proficient with racking a semi's slide once you get proper training, you should indeed consider a revolver for now. No racking, no clearing a jam, easy to load/unload/check to see if it's loaded. They come in a great many sizes, calibers, and cost, and there is at least one that will suit you just fine.

The new Walther PPS might work, but I also recommend you take a look at the Smith & Wesson model 3913. It is a great little semi-auto in 9mm. It does have a da/sa trigger, but it is a single stack and it is very easy to shoot. I had a LT on the police department who got one for an off duty gun but liked it so much he now carries it on duty.

Oh BTW - if you want to buy a new 39-2, let me know and I can point you in the right direction. Of course it wouldn't make a good conceal-carry weapon, but it would make a good range/practice gun.

PhilR.

Welcome from Northern Arizona.

You might want to check for an answer from:

http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx

I understand that forum to be Guns from a womans perspective.

My intent is not to run you off to another forum just to get you better answers.

Let us know what you find out over there so in the future we can provide better answers when a Lady asks a question.

P6 Sig Sauer be a good one.

Oh..and welcome from Ky.

My suggusetion would be the Kahr pistols.
If you are haveing trouble racking the slide on the walther you will probably not like having a small polymer frame pistol (because of recoil).
Usually when people are having problem racking the slide it is because they are only pulling the slide back and trying to hold the frame still. Try pushing the frame forward as you are pulling the slide back. Also get out and actually try several pistols before making your own choice. All of the ones suggested are good pistols but they will fit each person differently.

Check out a HK USP Compact in 9mm. My wife has no problem handling and operating this gun. The slide is easy to rack, the grip is thin, and the recoil is easy to manage.

Thanks to everyone! Wow where to start...

I am not completely against a revolver but I am not really favoring one right now. In a few hours I will have shot a few, so maybe I will change my mind.

Right now its not self defense as I cant legally carry and conceal (again our fabulous laws and liberal judges). But the intention will be SD eventually. I really just want to find something that I am comfortable holding and shooting so I can really get to know what I'm doing.

I intend to take a basic class however the NRA classes are all at least 3 hours from me and planning is difficult right now as I have an almost 2 yo and I am 5 mos pregnant. Not to mention owning our own business - so work can call at all hours. Summer at least would be a most realistic time of year but I will then have a newborn...I digress...

I should ask around to the local gun shops and clubs as to what classes they have locally. That will at least be something.

Again as I live in the boonies there aren't any ranges where I can rent and fire guns. Right now we are doing second best, meeting up with a friend who has about 10 guns for me to try. That will be in a few hours.

It may be wise to wait and not rush into my next purchase. Our dealer is really doing us a favor and I need to turn the gun back into him ASAP. We may just end up getting something else for DH and waiting til I find what I want.

The first forum I went to was "women and guns" and they directed me to the cornered cat. Lot of good info but I've kinda been there done that to some degree. I perused at 3am when I was up thinking about what gun to get....

As far as racking...I can rack DHs brand new Glock 30 so that is not a huge issue, its just an issue with the PPK/S. I am a little wimpy but not so wimpy that I cant handle the semi-autos. In other words I'm willing to learn and put some effort into this...I feel like it would be a waste to do anything else.

When DH suggested I get one, I was opposed, but once he convinced me I decided I wouldn't be the wife who's DH bought her a gun with a laser that she's fired only 10 rounds through.

So I am pretty serious and I hope that after today I will have a feel for shooting a few and have some better ideas of what's going to work for me.

I will research the models you've mentioned and if anyone else has suggestions please add them to the list. Thanks again to all of you!

Congrats on the new baby when he/she comes around. My wife into a bit of the same problem you are mentioning with not being able to rack the slide. She bought a Beretta 84FS in stainless steel and had a heck of a time with the slide. She ended up pulling the hammer back then racking the slide and that seemed to help immensely.

It is a double stack mag and not single stack as you indicated you liked so it may not be something of interest to you. However, pulling the hammer back first may assist greatly in being able to rack the slide.

Good luck and may your next labor be in minutes and not hours!

With the fear of preaching, if you are pregnant, you probably should not be going to the gun range shooting guns. Lead exposure is nothing to take lightly. I would suggest you discuss this with your doctor before handling firearms and/or ammunition.

With the fear of preaching, if you are pregnant, you probably should not be going to the gun range shooting guns. Lead exposure is nothing to take lightly. I would suggest you discuss this with your doctor before handling firearms and/or ammunition.

Thank you for the concern. I have considered that and we will actually be at my in-law's. Easy clean up there. To be on the safe side I wont do too much loading.

Originally Posted by buttrfli

Thank you for the concern. I have considered that and we will actually be at my in-law's. Easy clean up there. To be on the safe side I wont do too much loading.

Actually, it's not loading that you have to worry about. Shooting handguns will deposit residue on your hands/fingertips. These residues are full of different chemical compounds besides lead.

You also do not want to be around such high sound levels either. The fetus will not have any hearing protection, and the walls of your uterus and the fluid within are not enough of a barrier to protect the baby's developing ears.

You really need to consult with your Ob/Gyn about this (I already know what they will say...).

PhilR.

Thank you for the suggestions and information. I did go out today. I shot about 8 .22 rounds, 2 .357 rounds, 6 .45 rounds. It was outside and about 15 degrees. I looked up pregnancy and shooting and found this to be of interest.

That being said I am discouraged, but believe everything will be just fine. I will not be shooting again until after birth and most likely much later. Thanks again.

I'd like to suggest the Kahr P9. Although I'm a guy, I have relatively small hands, and the P9 has been a great little pistol, specially after I added the Hogue Handall Jr. to it. Good luck in your search, and welcome to the world of shooting!
Tony

I forgot to add that price cap is $700

I am leaning toward the Kahr CW9 but I havent held one yet. I have it narrowed down to the following:
Kahr CW9
Walther PPS
S&W 908 or 3913 (not sure how different these two are)

How bout the Beretta Px4 Storm?

DH is pushing me to a Springfield XD...he seems to think there is a single stack model...anyone know?

As far as I know, the 908 is the economy version of the 3913. No realy big difference.

Originally Posted by buttrfli

I forgot to add that price cap is $700

I am leaning toward the Kahr CW9 but I havent held one yet. I have it narrowed down to the following:
Kahr CW9
Walther PPS
S&W 908 or 3913 (not sure how different these two are)

How bout the Beretta Px4 Storm?

DH is pushing me to a Springfield XD...he seems to think there is a single stack model...anyone know?

The XD will be thicker than the CW9 or PPS.

The metal S&W's are great, but will be heavier and thicker than a poly pistol. Great for range use, but slightly harder to conceal.

The Beretta will be thick overall, and will most likely cost more than an XD or baby Glock or M&Pcompact.

Overall though, a nice range of pistols to choose from....

PhilR.

The Beretta will be thick overall, and will most likely cost more than an XD or baby Glock or M&Pcompact.

Yup...after shopping today didn't really like any of these.

I found a P9 and a PPS about an hour from us so we are going to look at them tomorrow. I cant find a CW9 anywhere. Is the P9 going to be basically the same feel as the CW9? Everything I read says its the big brother, etc.

I also found a Springfield 1911 EMP (yes waaaaay out of price range) but thought it would be fun to look at. DH really favors the 1911 style and thinks if I really like it I should get it (mostly cuz he wants it...)

No one around here seems to carry or hardly know what a S&W 908 or 5906 is...maybe thats just destiny.

The 5906 was very popular as a police sidearm some years ago, but is not very common anymore.

Originally Posted by buttrfli

I found a P9 and a PPS about an hour from us so we are going to look at them tomorrow. I cant find a CW9 anywhere. Is the P9 going to be basically the same feel as the CW9?


I also found a Springfield 1911 EMP (yes waaaaay out of price range) but thought it would be fun to look at. DH really favors the 1911 style and thinks if I really like it I should get it (mostly cuz he wants it...)

No one around here seems to carry or hardly know what a S&W 908 or 5906 is...maybe thats just destiny.

Kahr has a website, and there you can find complete statistics that will allow you to compare the two. You can order a CW9 from Buds gunshop website. The last time I looked, they were $369 delivered. You just have to line up an FFL holder to do the transfer.

The EMP is a nice pistol, and would make a good range gun. I would not recommend it for defense use until you have a fair amount of shooting experience.

The reason why no one knows about the older metal S&W's is that they don't sell well, and gunshops will tend not to carry them. Most people want a high-cap polymer pistol instead....

PhilR.

Originally Posted by buttrfli

Yup...after shopping today didn't really like any of these.

I found a P9 and a PPS about an hour from us so we are going to look at them tomorrow. I cant find a CW9 anywhere. Is the P9 going to be basically the same feel as the CW9? Everything I read says its the big brother, etc.
I also found a Springfield 1911 EMP (yes waaaaay out of price range) but thought it would be fun to look at. DH really favors the 1911 style and thinks if I really like it I should get it (mostly cuz he wants it...)

No one around here seems to carry or hardly know what a S&W 908 or 5906 is...maybe thats just destiny.

Yes, everything about the P9 will be pretty much the same as the CW9 - I don't know what anyone means by the P9 being a "big brother" to the CW9...

Well basically the CW9 design was based on the P9 with a few cheaper parts to make it more affordable for a different market (from what I've read).

After watching some videos and reading some more reviews I am leaning toward the Kahr, but holding them today will hopefully seal the deal. Thanks guys for all the info and help you have been great!!!

Originally Posted by buttrfli

Well basically the CW9 design was based on the P9 with a few cheaper parts to make it more affordable for a different market (from what I've read).

After watching some videos and reading some more reviews I am leaning toward the Kahr, but holding them today will hopefully seal the deal. Thanks guys for all the info and help you have been great!!!

Buttrfli, I am also from NY welcomed to the fourm. I have filled out my paperwork and have an appointment for late next month to submit it and get prints and photos.
In a few of your posts you mention how hard it has been for you to get a CCW and how they restricted it. I am from Dutchess county. I would like to get a CCW that is my main purpose. Are you in the same county? Just wondering what I am up against here.

As for suggestions I wish I could help I havent even been able to hols a gun yet....damm NY laws. Good luck be safe and congrats on a large family with more to come. I have one now and hope to have another.

Rock On